THE PUBLIC PARKS OF GLASGOW. 



49 



routes, which in fine weather and on Sunday afternoons and evenings 

 are overtaxed with a one-minute service of cars. Beyond widening 

 the existing paths and forming new ones to connect and link up 

 accesses to various points, to meet the requirements of the crowds 

 of visitors, no general alterations were made on the grounds. The 

 endeavour has been to retain the natural features in every possible 

 way. The natural seclusion is such that, though within half a mile 

 of the large dyeing and bleaching works of Thornliebank, not a sign 

 of any important industry in the near proximity is visible, except 

 from a high point in the grounds, from which two or three tall chimney- 

 stacks can be seen. 



Of the many munificent gifts made to the city by its wealthy 

 sons, none has surpassed in usefulness and appreciation this princely 

 gift by Lord Rowallan, whose liberality will be again alluded to. 



POLLOKSHAWS PARK. 



With the extension of the city boundaries in 1912, when the 

 burghs of Pollokshaws, Govan, and Partick were absorbed, the 

 parks belonging to these communities came within the city. Of 

 those belonging to' the old-fashioned burgh of Pollokshaws little 

 need be said, as they are but minor open spaces — though in a short 

 time a park will be formed, as Sir John Stirling Maxwell has 

 recently given 13 acres to extend the largest of the open spaces. 



Elder Park. 



Of the parks belonging to the old burgh of Govan, the principal 

 is the Elder Park, given by the late Mrs. John Elder in 1885. The 

 area is 35 acres, and is on the opposite side of the street 

 from the famous Fairfield Shipbuilding Yard, of which her husband 

 was long the head and moving spirit. It is furnished with a model 

 yacht pond, good shelters and bowling-greens, with nice open spaces 

 for the children, but one of the provisions of the deed of gift is 

 the prohibition of football — a somewhat sore point with the rising 

 generation. 



Plantation Park. 



The other park which belonged to the burgh is Plantation Park, 

 which is over ij miles from the Elder Park. Its original area was 

 about 7J acres, but since the amalgamation with Glasgow an addi- 

 tional 7 J acres have been acquired, which will be laid out for football 

 and other games to meet the needs of the youngsters of a densely 

 crowded area. Meanwhile it is occupied by garden allotments. 



Victoria Park. 



This was the principal park of the burgh of Partick. This park 

 was not purchased by the burgh commissioners, but feued from the 

 Scotstoun estate at a low sum per annum, with the proviso that 



VOL. XLV. E 



